LilMissScareAll

I have never had a problem finding salmon, cream cheese, & bagel at the deli on any of the ships

We just got off the ship and started walking towards the Casino. Just a few minutes further down the road was Descanso Beach club. There was a nice little beach there. We saw some people snorkeling. They had food (we ordered calamari ) and drinks.

They have better access to seeing ALL deals available to members of your party. It saves me the time of having to check the rates using each of our VIP numbers.

Also, when we had a linked but separate booking with my parents, we were able to change dates, upgrade rooms, and even call in each other's price drops.

While I do all the research myself, I'll usually do a room hold and then call the PVP. We don't cruise that often unfortunately, but why not give these guys whatever credit/quota/etc that they get for booking us.

If I do get a PVP (and ive been transfer to a few over the years) that's particularly agressive about calling. I'll tell them my status. Just looking, won't be booking for xX amount of time, call me of XX date, or flat out don't call me. They usually listen.

 

How do you manage the food piece of the puzzle when you are eating out or are cruising?

I never count calories. I follow a diet/lifestyle that teaches portion sizes and how to eat the right kinds of food (protein, veggies, fruits, carbs, fats, etc) I've been doing it for a while, so I can pretty much eyeball portion sizes.

I've lost 18 lbs since September following this system (163 lbs down to 145). My husband has lost about 25 lbs since he started in April.

If you have an IG account, you can follow me @13meshell13. I post tons of healthy cooking ideas.

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You don't have to be an AARP member to sign up for Rewards for Good.

This. I'm nowhere near AARP age nor do I pay for a membership. Free account and just take quizzes every so often. Have purchased cards on several occasions with no issues

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We were on her in Feb. The tender has a ramp to get on. We had a stroller and someone always offered to help walk it down even though we didn't need it. I'm sure they would do the same for someone who needed a hand.

We were in E45, and the only noise we had was a few neighbors who congrigated just outside our door and talked loudly in the mornings.

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Also, I bring a few travel packs of detergent. My son got sick for about a day and a half on his first cruise and I had to wash a few things in the sink and did a load of laundry on board.

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They have a jogging track?!

 

 

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MOst ships have a jogging track on the highest deck. On Carnival, it's by the Sports Square or mini golf area. :-)

I just got a fitbit, so making sure I meet my goal steps will for sure be a priority on my next cruise.

I did really well on our last cruise even though I didn't step foot in the gym. Chasing a 2 year old around the ship was my workout! We only took the elevator, in the evenings when we had the stroller.

I try to make healthier food choices throughout the day, so I don't feel guilty about indulging sometimes. Veggie omelet for breakfast, protein and greens during lunch. Sharing deserts with my kiddo or DH, that way I can taste a few sweets but I'm not over eating.

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Do remember not to toss the wipes in the toilet (not even the ones supposed to be flushable). They will block the plumbing, not just for your cabin, but for many others.

You'd think that would be common sense. After all, I don't throw foreign objects into my toilet at home.

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I have StrideRite water shoes for during the day. They're nonslip so perfect for the Waterworks or walking on a slippery wet deck. I have a boy, so he just wears sneakers the rest of the time. Black Converse on formal night with his suit.

Extra clothes. My kid had a knack for spilling.

I brought Take n Toss cups and plasticware for kiddo. That way we had cups with lids and if we lost/forgot it somewhere it was no big deal.

Lots of wipes. Hands. Faces. Booty. Even if kiddo isn't in diapers, I still find wipes easier than regular TP.

Sunblock. Lots of it. The Caribbean sun is harsh on their sensitive skin.

Coloring book and crayons. Entertainment during long dinner, down time while getting ready, etc.

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We did the 4 day version of this cruise and only got off in Catalina. Stayed on the boat in Encinada. We have a toddler, so not much exciting for him to do in that port. It was nice, because it wasn't as windy at Waterwork since the ship wasn't moving. We laid out by the pools and went in the hot tub. Just a nice relaxing day.

Picked up another $100. I don't even have a cruise booked... guess all these gcs that I keep stockpiling means I'll need to book one soon.

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Yes, but not any Funshop purchases beforehand (bottles of wine, Cheers!, or food)

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Here's the 2-5 year old schedule from Imagination back in feb

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But, I could purchase Cheers on the ship using the cards that have been added to my S&S? I'm leaving from Galveston so we have that 1 day PITA anyway.!

You could, but I believe with the new program rules it's more expensive to purchase on board vs paying in advance, so that might wipe any savings that you get from purchasing the gift cards.

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Are you using the TapiTalk app? I get a pop-up on my phone whenever anyone posts here and any other threads I'm subscribed to

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Ok I registered and got 1500 pts immediately but for the life of me can't find where to go to get to the cards. Went under travel benefits and cruises and still couldn't find them

Click redeem points. Then go under gift cards then under Travel

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Sorry the pics are sideways. I don't know how to rotate them in the app

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We just did a 4 day on the Imagination. Here's pics from the schedule on our cruise. I have a 2.5 year old. We didn't do any drop off, but we did do the Green Eggs and Ham breakfast, Towel Animal Theater (not listed but was on Wed), the Dr Suess Parade and Storytime

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Regarding won't honor price drop??

 

My reduced deposit promo said price protection and upon confirming with my rep he said it is still honored. Maybe you didn't have the price protection with your deal?

If the new lower priced promo doesn't include the same reduced deposit, you have to pay the difference to the full deposit amount.

I've read many times about people having their cruises cancelled after submitting price protection but failing or being told they didn't have to pay the difference.

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There's several thread about this subject if you do a search.

We generally will prepay our tips. I would never remove tips unless something major happened, and that's very unlikely. I just would rather have a more things paid off beforehand and have a smaller bill on my Sign&Sail card at the end. Just preference.

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Cruise ship pools are different then a public pool on land. They aren't treated with the same chemicals so it's more of an issue for a child to poo in a pool on a ship.

I'm aware that the filter system and the rules are quite different on a cruise ship.

My note about the swim diaper was in response to this:

yes I was thinking that. but he does not where a diaper, only at night. Reason I ask is because I went to a pool few days ago and the manager said he had to where a swim diaper. I told him that my son was potty trained but he didn't care. Its funny because in Ghana people would look at you sideways if your child is not using a pot at the latest 1years old

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You'll be fine.

My toddler PLed very young. (Yes we used cloth SadieN) We had no issues taking him in the Waterworks and hot tubs (too cold for the pool) last month.

In fact, I saw many kids who were very obviously wearing swim diapers and nothing was said to them.

Eta: Some pools do have strict rules regarding swim diapers. The place where my son takes his swim lessons requires ALL children under 3 to wear a reusable swim diaper (like iPlay brand) and a disposable swim diaper.

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My LO is a toddler, so not quite the same interests as an older kid.

He loved Towel Animal theater and the Dr Suess parade and storytime. He likes industrial ports b/c he enjoys looking out and seeing the work/trucks/cranes on the dock. Anything with music is a good time.

Obviously, the waterworks is a big winner.

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Can you switch to a west coast cruise? I don't think the alert/warning is for here.

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